Bearcats Defeat Whitworth, 5-3, in First Round of NWC Tournament

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

YAKIMA, WASH. -- Willamette University recorded a team victory in the first round of the Northwest Conference Men's Tennis Tournament for the third year in a row, as the Bearcats defeated Whitworth University, 5-3, at the Yakima Tennis Center on Friday, April 17. Willamette, seeded #4 in the tournament, improved to 10-7 on the season. The 'Cats are playing top-seeded Whitman College this afternoon in the NWC Semifinals.

Willamette won #1 and #2 doubles for a 2-1 lead. The Bearcats secured the overall victory by adding triumphs at #1, #2 and #3 singles. Action at #6 singles was left unfinished when Willamette reached five points for the team win.

Andrew Murakami (Sr., Wahiawa, HI/Leilehua HS/Univ. of Redlands) picked up a key win for the Bearcats at #1 singles when he claimed two tie-breakers to defeat Michael Shelton, 7-6, 7-6. Tie-breaker scores were not immediately available.

Willamette's strength in the top half of the singles bracket secured the overall win. In addition to Murakami's thrilling win over Shelton, the Bearcats also received wins from Ferguson at #2 singles and Houser at #3 singles. Ferguson downed Wales, 6-2, 6-0, while Houser defeated Zalewski, 6-3, 7-5.